ADAP launches education and competency framework for dental aesthetics practitioners

The Association of Dentists in Aesthetic Practice (ADAP) announces the launch of the first education and competency framework specifically for GDC-registered dentists in medical aesthetics.

ADAP is a new professional body representing dentists within the aesthetics industry.

Who is ADAP for?

ADAP is for dentists at every stage of their aesthetic journey, including:

• Dental students and graduates interested in facial aesthetics.
• Dentists starting out in aesthetic practice.
• Experienced aesthetic practitioners.
• Dental professionals, managers and leaders involved in the sector.

"Our ambition is to provide a strong, credible collective voice for the profession, support members through education and collaboration, and help shape the future of aesthetic practice," said Paul Burgess, ADAP executive chair.

"We are already delighted to see members volunteering for our governance bodies and contributing to our exciting research project to develop a new competency framework for dentists working in non-surgical facial aesthetics."

Launch of ADAP education and training project

The new framework functions to set out what competent, safe aesthetic practice looks like for dentists at every stage of their career, aligned with the GDC Scope of Practice guidance and the GDC Standards for the Dental Team.

Led by Dr Rehanna Beckhurt, ADAP director and chair of the Education and Training Committee, the team of experts will launch Phase 1 of the framework in March 2027.

What do the aesthetic regulation proposals mean for dentists?

The Government’s proposed regulatory framework for the aesthetics sector in England is expected to initially focus on the highest-risk procedures, classified within the red category.

However, attention is also turning to the regulation of AMBER category procedures, which include injectable treatments and dermal fillers.

According to the Association of Dental Aesthetic Practitioners (ADAP), one key consideration will be how these requirements are enforced.

While the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is expected to oversee surgical procedures, responsibility for enforcing requirements relating to AMBER category treatments is expected to fall to local authority Environmental Health Officers (EHOs).

ADAP has raised questions about whether EHOs will have the necessary training, expertise and resources to provide effective and consistent oversight, particularly given existing financial pressures on local authorities.

ADAP has shared that they will continue to examine the developments, with a particular focus on how the evolving framework could affect dentists working in aesthetic practice and their ability to provide treatments safely and compliantly.

Why Harpar Grace International is partnering with ADAP?

Founding partner, Harper Grace International (HGI) are supporting the association’s work to provide dental practitioners with education, professional development and industry connections as they expand into medical aesthetics.

"Our partnership with ADAP reflects our commitment to supporting this evolution. As a founding sponsor, we are proud to support an association that champions education, professional development and collaboration, helping dental professionals confidently navigate an increasingly diverse clinical landscape," said Carla Cooper, head of growth and strategy HGI.

"We recognise that expanding into new areas requires the right knowledge, training and ongoing support. By working alongside ADAP, we want to help bridge the gap between clinical expertise and business growth, giving members access to the tools, education and partnerships they need to make informed decisions and deliver meaningful results."